No offense intended, but we artists are not typically a tidy lot. We get inspired, we try things out, and by the end of a painting session our workspaces and studios can look a little bit like a tornado came to visit. What's worse is when you are in the painting groove and have to break your concentration to look for a certain tool or paint tube that you need to keep going. One solution is to throw a full-on why-why-why tantrum. I've tried that several times and it isn't as effective as Richard Chatham's solution.

Organized and artist are two words that CAN go together.

Richard is a retired architect and avid painter and, based on his painting experience, he has created the ArtCADDYTM, tricked out with all the compartments an artist needs for tools and supplies. It is easy to set up, the palette sits at the right angle so an artist can use both hands if needed, and when you are ready to end your session all you have to do is turn the palette over and slip the straps into the handholds. That's it? That's it! This is a great tool for plein air and landscape painters as well as those of us who take art classes and painting workshops regularly.

To get the ArtCADDYTM manufactured and in the hands of the artists who need it, Richard and his partner Charles started Be ArtSMART, a company devoted to innovative artist tools. They have launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise the funds needed to finance the ArtCADDYTM and are asking for our help. Check out their Kickstarter page and consider pledging your support for the ArtCADDYTM. Cheers,